How often is too many or too few meals?
Experts say that contrary to modern culture’s preaching of eating meals divided into breakfast, lunch and dinner, eating up to 10 meals a day may be better suited for people looking to improve their health. are doing.
People who suffer from stomach problems such as heartburn, gastroparesis, bloating, and bloating can reduce these symptoms by eating more often and in smaller portions throughout the day. says Lindsey DeSoto, a Mississippi nutritionist.
For 6 to 10 meals, smaller servings can help with digestion because your stomach has to break down less with each small meal throughout the day.
Conversely, someone whose goal is to lose a few pounds may benefit from eating six or more meals a day. DeSoto noted that calories and portion sizes play an important role.
“For example, if you need 1,800 calories to maintain your weight and decide to eat six small meals each day, each meal should be about 300 calories,” DeSoto says. “Make sure you don’t exceed your daily caloric allotment and spread it over the number of meals you consume.”
“Small, frequent meals often come in the form of ultra-processed foods and snacks that are lacking in many important nutrients the body needs. Therefore, it is important to focus on the quality of the food you consume. It’s essential,” she continued.
However, this isn’t to say that eating three times a day is terrible, as DeSoto notes that this may be fine if you want to boost your body’s metabolism.
Metabolism is a natural chemical reaction in the body that converts food into energy and helps the body overcome hunger.
The total number of meals a person consumes may also be related to disease risk. According to a 2019 NIH report.
The study “demonstrated a significantly increased risk of disease” for people who consumed six or more meals a day compared to those who ate only one or two meals a day.
Overall, the hard evidence on whether a healthier lifestyle is associated with eating more or less is neutral, but both choices can benefit a person’s health if the pattern is followed.
